Is the median income trending up, etc.Once you start getting into individual neighborhoods you probably want to look at crime statistics, foreclosure rates, etc.Is it possible to find a deal in a well established market using the 1% rule?

Landlords are smart enough to know that the term of a lease is no indication or guarantee a tenant will stay for the full term.

Thing is you've got to buy duplexes as individual deals with individual residential mortgages.

I like helping individuals that want the relationship long term and need help in the process.I think residential will get watered down faster with AI programs because it is not usually as complex as commercial real estate.

.- Depending on size of the property, scope of the work, and how much rehab you're willing to do, you can always consider individually submetering each unit.

This just a lucky break for me however that the seller ended up being an very ethical individual. 

Next I would try to find a smaller area within the zip code and then start searching for individual properties.If I can’t find anything in California, I would start looking elsewhere using the same steps.In your opinion, is that a good approach?

Also your individual goals.

I'll just pay to 2% or 3% commission to the buyer's broker, and keep the rest for myself, individually. 

Once you learn of those developers in the community you'll then begin to be able to create relationships with those individuals and start to invest in the commercial deals.